Heart of Gold

'The government has strengthened its position,' Caroline said. 'After the incident at the airfield, the press has rallied behind the Prime Minister Giraud and the alliance with Albion.'

George nodded. 'The Holmland government has repudiated the actions of the saboteurs. The Elektor claims that they were acting without orders, renegades of the worst sort.'

'Does anyone believe that?'

Caroline snorted, beautifully. 'Officially? Yes. In reality, of course not.'

'What about the Marchmainers?'

'Nothing in the papers. And no sign of Dr Romellier either. He's vanished.'

Aubrey had a strong suspicion that Dr Romellier would be on his way by now to join Dr Tremaine, although Aubrey had no idea what the renegade magician would want with an ornithologist. Wheels within wheels, Dr Tremaine. Wheels within wheels.

George pointed at Aubrey with a jam spoon. 'You'd be proud of me, old man. I've been practising my Gallian, with Caroline's help.'

She inclined her head toward Aubrey. 'It filled in the time, although I despair of George's accent.'

'Don't care about my accent. At least I can talk and read it rather better. Don't feel so much of a duffer.'

'Marchmainers?' Aubrey prompted.

'Ah, yes. The independence movement has distanced itself from the Sons of Victor, wouldn't you say, Caroline?'

'As fast as they could. Once it became clear exactly who had the Heart of Gold, it was the only thing they could do to salvage something from the wreck.'

Aubrey put down a cup that suddenly seemed very heavy. He was tired. 'They've lost their chance. They won't be able to regroup for some time, and by then war will have broken out.'

George frowned. 'D'you still think it's coming?'

'It's more and more certain every day. Holmland's machinations here in Lutetia show that it's not giving up on its plans to dominate the Continent.' He shuddered.

'Are you all right, Aubrey?' Caroline asked.

'I was just thinking about the war. And wondering if we can do anything to stop it.'

'It may be inevitable,' she said slowly. 'Nations are notoriously stupid. But it wouldn't be right to throw our hands up and say that to resist would be futile.'

'Agreed,' Aubrey said. 'We must do what we can.'

'That means going to the embassy ball on Saturday,' George said.

Aubrey groaned. 'Do we have to?'

'Solidarity with our good ally, old man. It's important.'

Aubrey appealed to Caroline for help. She looked back at him, evenly, and smiled. 'I agree with George.'

Aubrey blinked. Was that an opportunity? 'You've convinced me. And since you have, will you do me the honour of accompanying me?'

Aubrey saw Caroline trying to follow that twisted logic and becoming more and more suspicious. 'I –' he began.

'No. Don't say anything more. Don't mess it up.' She pointed at him. 'Yes. I will go with you to the ball. Pick me up at eight.'

Caroline bent. When she straightened she had a bundle in her hands. 'Your grandmother's letters. Mother kept them safe for you.'

'She's unharmed?'

'Safe and well. When I reached the tower, they were on the verge of leaving, after hearing the explosions at the airfield. I guided them through the woods until we reached a small village. We negotiated a wagon ride with a farmer. Monsieur Caron left us at St Charles Station, saying he had urgent business out of the country. I took Mother home.' She looked at him evenly, as if daring him to challenge her recount as anything more than a stroll through the countryside.

'The tower?'

'Still there in the woods near the airfield. Maurice has taken up residence there and fancies himself as a country gentleman, I think.'

She left. Aubrey heard her chatting with Madame Calvert, then the door closing behind her.

'Success, old man,' George said. He was eating a peach. 'A well-planned campaign, a few false starts, lost battle or two, but ultimately you were triumphant.'

'Caroline isn't a military campaign, George.'

'Well, it's taken you a while to realise that.'

'Yes, I know, not everything in life can be reduced to tactics and strategy.'

'Bad form, that. People are people, not pieces to be moved around at your will.'

Aubrey squirmed.

'Are you all right?' George asked.

'I just remembered something I have to do. Very soon, too.' As soon as he regained some strength, he'd see about getting Caroline back into the university. Perhaps after the ball? He'd appreciate having her near until then. To help his recovery, he assured himself.

George stood. 'I'll let you have some time by yourself. You look as if you need it.'

'Thank you, George.' Aubrey nodded. 'And thank you, George. For everything.'

'Don't mention it. Just don't scare me like that again.'

'I'd like to guarantee that, but . . .'

'I understand. Just do what you can.' George took the breakfast tray and went to the door. Then he stopped and stared at the ceiling. 'This embassy ball. I'm not sure if I can be there.'

'Really?' Aubrey brightened. This was better: something trifling, something commonplace. He sat up straighter in the bed. 'You've been summoned to an audience with the King of Oronoko? You've developed a sudden knee injury that will prevent you dancing?'

'No, although I could work on the latter.' George sighed. 'It's Madame Calvert's niece.'

'Ah. You've met her.'

'That's the point. I haven't.' He glanced at Aubrey. 'Been rather busy lately, old man.'

Aubrey laced his fingers on his flannel-clad chest. 'And the problem is?'

'Madame Calvert has been talking about her niece for days. Dropping hints about how clever she is, how good she is at languages and whatnot.'

'And you see this as a bad thing?'

'It strikes me as a bit overdone, as it were. It's as if her niece needs to be promoted, like a new beverage.'

'I see. And you think the reality may be different?'

George shrugged, which made the crockery on the breakfast tray clatter. 'There is that, I suppose. But I'm more worried about what Madame Calvert is saying to her niece about me. I don't want to disappoint the girl.'

Aubrey started to laugh, but stifled it when he saw the misery on his friend's face. 'George, you don't have to worry. You'll be impressive, as always.' He rubbed his forehead. 'Besides, I'd appreciate it if you were there with me.'

'Ah. Of course, old man.' He smiled. 'Well, meeting young women and such is why we came to Lutetia in the first place, isn't it?'

'It's why you came to Lutetia in the first place, George. I had other things to do.'

'Quite.' George cocked an eyebrow. 'I prefer my reason.'

After George closed the door behind him, Aubrey stretched out. He needed to examine his condition.